Security beefed up at airports after terror alert

TNNNov 11, 2005, 12.25AM IST

NEW DELHI: Airports across the country were put under heightened security, following an intelligence alert over possible attempts by terrorists to attack key installations. Additional barricades have been put up near entrances and security checks like baggage screening and frisking of passengers have been intensified. Airlines have also been asked to ensure full scrutiny of passenger baggage and cargo. A number of other preventive measure have also been initiated.

The additional security arrangements led to minor delays at some airports, especially the major ones. Arrival and departure of passengers from airports also got slower due to the additional barricades.

The beefing up of security was in view of intelligence apprehensions about a possible hijack attempt or a suicide bomb, airport sources said. This follows a general alert issued by the Union home ministry on Wednesday night, with a special mention of the Mumbai airport. Immediately, security personnel were instructed to maintain a tight vigil on all vehicles approaching the airport.

The alert follows telecom intercepts suggesting that militants might carry out a suicide attack and also try to hijack a plane. While efforts are being made to avoid panic, quick reaction teams of the CISF have been put in a state of readiness.

At the Palam airport in the capital, for example, CISF has erected extra barricades, while taking care to ensure that there was no disruption in the movement of passengers. In Srinagar and Jammu, para-military forces intensified patrolling around the airport complex and a multi-tier security ring has been laid around the premises to ward off any terrorist attack. Airport security has been tightened in Hyderabad and Chennai, with even airport staff being subjected to extra scrutiny.